Implant with internal multi-lobed interlock

ABSTRACT

A dental implant for supporting a dental prosthesis comprises a body portion and a top surface. The implant further comprises an internal cavity with an opening located at the top surface. The internal cavity comprises an interlock chamber having a depth measured from the top surface equal to a first distance. The interlock chamber comprising a cylindrical portion and plurality of semi-circular channels arranged around a periphery of the cylindrical portion. A threaded chamber that includes threads is located below the post-receiving chamber. The cylindrical portion has a first radius and the channels have a second radius, a ratio of the first radius to the second radius being between approximately 4:1 and 2:1.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/156,198,filed Sep. 27, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to dental implants and, moreparticularly, to an improved implant with an improved internal interlockfor supporting other dental implant components with correspondinginterlock structures.

2. Description of the Related Art

Implant dentistry involves the restoration of one or more teeth in apatient's mouth using artificial components. Such artificial componentstypically include a dental implant and a prosthetic tooth and/or a finalabutment that is secured to the dental implant. Generally, the processfor restoring a tooth is carried out in three stages.

Stage I involves implanting the dental implant into the bone of apatient's jaw. The oral surgeon first accesses the patient's jawbonethrough the patient's gum tissue and removes any remains of the tooth tobe replaced. Next, the specific site in the patient's jaw where theimplant will be anchored is widened by drilling and/or reaming toaccommodate the width of the dental implant to be implanted. Then, thedental implant is inserted into the hole in the jawbone, typically byscrewing, although other techniques are known for introducing theimplant in the jawbone.

The implant itself is typically fabricated from pure titanium or atitanium alloy. Such materials are known to produce osseointegration ofthe fixture with the patient's jawbone. The dental implant fixture alsotypically includes a hollow threaded bore through at least a portion ofits body and extending out through its proximal end which is exposedthrough the crestal bone for receiving and supporting the final toothprosthesis and/or various intermediate components or attachments.

After the implant is initially installed in the jawbone, a temporaryhealing cap is secured over the exposed proximal end in order to sealthe internal bore. The patient's gums are then sutured over the implantto allow the implant site to heal and to allow desired osseointegrationto occur. Complete osseointegration typically takes anywhere from fourto ten months.

During stage II, the surgeon reassesses the implant fixture by making anincision through the patient's gum tissues. The healing cap is thenremoved, exposing the proximal end of the implant. Typically, animpression coping in attached to the implant and a mold or impression isthen taken of the patient's mouth to accurately record the position andorientation of the implant within the mouth. This is used to create aplaster model or analogue of the mouth and/or the implant site andprovides the information needed to fabricate the prosthetic replacementtooth and any required intermediate prosthetic components. Stage II istypically completed by attaching to the implant a temporary healingabutment or other transmucosal component to control the healing andgrowth of the patient's gum tissue around the implant site.

Stage III involves fabricating and placement of a cosmetic toothprosthesis to the implant fixture. The plaster analogue provideslaboratory technicians with a model of the patient's mouth, includingthe orientation of the implant fixture relative to the surroundingteeth. Based on this model, the technician constructs a finalrestoration. The final step in the restorative process is replacing thetemporary healing abutment with the final restoration.

As mentioned above, the implant typically includes a hollow threadedbore for receiving and supporting the final tooth prosthesis and/orvarious intermediate components or attachments. The implant alsotypically includes anti-rotational means, which are typically located onthe proximal end of the implant. These anti-rotational means aredesigned to mate with corresponding anti-rotational means formed on thevarious mating components (e.g., a healing abutments and/or animpression coping). These anti-rotational means primarily serve toprevent relative rotation between the mating component and the implant.

Such anti-rotational/indexing means frequently take the form of ahexagonal boss or recess (“hex”) formed on the proximal portion of theimplant. For externally threaded implants, the hex may also be used toengage a driving tool for driving the implant into an internallythreaded bore or osteotomy prepared in the patient's jawbone (mandibleor maxilla). When the implant is fully installed in a patient's jawbone,the hex or other indexing means is typically exposed through the crestalbone so that accurate indexing may be provided between the implant andthe final prosthesis and/or various intermediate mating prostheticcomponents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes the realization that priorart anti-rotational means typically include sharp corners. When theimplant and mating component are subjected to a rotational force, thesesharp corners are subject to high concentrations of stress. The highstress concentrations can cause the sharp corners to chip or wear away.This can cause the anti-rotational means to take on a circular shape,which reduces the ability of the anti-rotational means to resistrotation. The chipping or wearing away can also result in fitting errorsbetween the implant and the mating components. In some cases, the highstress concentrations can also cause the implant to crack at or near thecorners of the anti-rotational means thereby shortening the life of theimplant.

Another aspect of the present invention includes the realization thatprior art anti-rotational means typically offer little resistance tolateral forces. That is, prior art anti-rotational means typically donot prevent the mating component from “tipping” off the implant.Furthermore, prior art anti-rotational means typically provide little orno tactile feedback to the oral surgeon to indicate that the matingcomponent is properly seated in the implant.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is the recognition thattraditional anti-rotation means, such as a hexagonal recess, aredifficult to machine. Specifically, a special reciprocating tool, suchas a broach, typically must be used to form a hexagonal recess.

Accordingly, it is a principle object and advantage of the presentinvention to overcome some or all of the above-mentioned limitations inthe prior art. Thus, one aspect of the present invention provides for adental implant for supporting a dental prosthesis comprises a bodyportion and a top surface. The implant further comprises an internalcavity with an opening located at the top surface. The internal cavitycomprises an interlock chamber having a depth measured from the topsurface equal to a first distance. The interlock chamber comprising acylindrical portion and plurality of semi-circular channels arrangedaround a periphery of the cylindrical portion. A threaded chamber thatincludes threads is located below the post-receiving chamber. Thecylindrical portion has a first radius and the channels have a secondradius, a ratio of the first radius to the second radius being betweenapproximately 4:1 and 2:1.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a prosthodonticassembly for installing a prosthetic tooth. The prosthodontic assemblycomprises a first prosthodontic component and a second prosthodonticcomponent. The first prosthodontic component comprising a body portionand a top surface. The first prosthodontic component further comprisingan internal cavity with an opening located at the top surface. Theinternal cavity comprising an interlock chamber having a depth measuredfrom the top surface equal to a first distance. The interlock chambercomprising a cylindrical portion with a plurality of semi-circularchannels arranged around a perimeter of the cylindrical portion. Athreaded chamber that includes threads is located below the interlockchamber. The cylindrical portion has a first radius and the channelshave a second radius. A ratio of the first radius to the second radiusis between approximately 4:1 and 2:1. The second prothodontic componentcomprising an interlock area comprising a plurality of semi-circularprotrusions configured to mate with channels of the first prosthodonticcomponent.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides for a dentalimplant for supporting a dental prosthesis. The dental implantcomprising a body portion and a top surface. The implant furthercomprising an internal cavity with an opening located at the topsurface. The internal cavity comprising an interlock chamber having adepth measured from the top surface equal to a first distance. Athreaded chamber that includes threads and is located below thepost-receiving chamber. The interlock channel being formed as a singlecontinues curve having substantially no internal corners.

Still yet another aspect of the present invention provides for aprosthodontic assembly for installing a prosthetic tooth. Theprosthodontic assembly comprises a first prosthodontic component and asecond prosthodontic component. The first prosthodontic componentcomprising a body portion and a top surface. The first prosthodonticcomponent further comprising an internal cavity with an opening locatedat the top surface. The internal cavity comprising an interlock chamberhaving a depth measured from the top surface equal to a first distance.The interlock chamber being formed as a single continuous curve havingsubstantially no internal corners. A threaded chamber that includesthreads is located below the post-receiving chamber. The secondprothodontic component comprising an interlock area having a shape thatcorresponds to the shape of the interlock chamber.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achievedover the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention havebeen described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that notnecessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordancewith any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example,those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may beembodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes oneadvantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarilyachieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of theinvention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the presentinvention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited toany particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will now be described withreference to the drawings of a preferred embodiment which is intended toillustrate and not to limit the invention. The drawings contain thefollowing figures.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a dental implant having certain feature andadvantages according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the dental implant of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the dental implant of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 1D-F are side views of the dental implant of FIG. 1A inserted intoa patient's jawbone at different depths;

FIG. 2A is a side view of an abutment having certain features andadvantages according to the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a detail view of the abutment of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the abutment of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a bottom plan view of the abutment of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a coupling screw having certainfeatures and advantages according to the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the coupling screw of FIG. 3A;

FIGS. 4A-C are schematic illustrations of preferred shapes of theinterlock regions of the dental implant of FIG. 1A and the matingabutment of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a final abutment having certain features andadvantages according to the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the final abutment of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5C is a bottom plan view of the final abutment of FIG. 4A. Detailed

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a preferred embodiment of a dental implant 10having certain features and advantages in accordance with the presentinvention. As will be explained below, the implant 10 is configured toreceive and support one or more dental attachments or components suchas, for example, healing caps, impression copings, temporary abutments,and permanent abutments. The implant 10 is preferably made of a dentalgrade titanium alloy, although other suitable materials can be used.

As best seen in FIG. 1A, the outer surface of the implant 10 preferablyincludes a body portion 12, a neck 14, and a collar 16. The body portion12 of the implant 10 is preferably tapered and includes threads 18 thatmatch preformed threads made along the inner surface of the patient'sjawbone (not shown). However, it should be appreciated that the bodyportion 12 can be configured so as to be self-tapping. It should also beappreciated that although the illustrated body portion 12 is tapered orconical, the body portion 12 could also be substantially cylindrical.Finally, the body portion 12 could be unthreaded if the surgeon prefersto use an unthreaded implant.

The body portion 12 of the implant 10 is also preferably acid-etched.Acid-etching produces a rougher surface, which increases the surfacearea of the body portion 12. The increased surface area promotesosseointegration. Alternatively, the body portion 12 of the implant canbe coated with a substance that increases the surface area of the bodyportion 12. Calcium phosphate ceramics, such as tricalcium phosphate(TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA), are particularly suitable materials.

As best seen in FIG. 1C, the neck 14 lies between the body portion 12and the collar 16. The neck 14 preferably has a diameter that is lessthan the diameter of the collar 16. The collar 16 of the implant issubstantially cylindrical and has a top surface 24 that is substantiallyflat. The collar 16 is defined in part by a vertical side wall 26 thatis preferably greater than 1 millimeter in length. In the preferredembodiment, the length of the collar is approximately 2 millimeters.

The neck 14 and the collar 16 form a “variable placement zone”. Thelength and configuration the variable placement zone allows for“variable positioning” of the dental implant 12. That is, the surgeoncan vary the height of the implant 10 with respect to the crest of thejawbone. For example, as shown in FIG. 1F, the implant 10 can be placedsupra-crestally (i.e., the top surface 24 of the implant 10 ispositioned above the crest 27 of the jawbone 29) without exposing thethreads 18 of the body region 12. In this arrangement the collar 16extends through the gums and acts as the temporary healing abutmentthereby saving the surgeon and the patient time and money by eliminatingstage II surgery. Alternatively, the surgeon can place the top surface24 of the implant 10 level with the alveolar crest (i.e., the toothsocket in the jawbone) for esthetics (see FIG. 1E). In yet anotheralternative arrangement, the surgeon can submerge the collar 16 into thejawbone such that the top surface 24 lies flush with the crest of thejawbone (see FIG. 1D). In this arrangement, the surgeon can utilize thestandard three stage process described above.

It should, however, be noted that several advantages of the presentinvention can be achieved with an implant 10 that (i) does not include avariable placement zone or (ii) includes variable placement zone that issmaller or larger than the preferred embodiment. For example, severaladvantages of the present invention can be achieved with an implantwithout the neck 14 and/or the collar 16. Similarly, the neck 14 and/orcollar 16 can have dimensions that are smaller or larger than theillustrated embodiment. However, the illustrated embodiment, with theneck region 14 and collar 16, is preferred because it best allows forthe flexibility described above.

As best seen in FIG. 1C, the implant 10 includes an internal socket 28.The socket 28 includes a threaded chamber 30 and an interlock chamber34. The threaded chamber 30 is threaded and preferably has a diameterthat is less than the interlock chamber 34.

With reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the interlock chamber 34 includes asubstantially cylindrical portion 35. The interlock chamber 34 alsoincludes a plurality of channels 36, which prevent the rotation of adental component. Preferably, the interlock chamber 34 includes threesemi-circular channels 36, which are arranged along the periphery of thecylindrical portion 35. More preferably, each channel 36 is locatedapproximately 120 degrees apart from each other. The channels 36preferably extend from the top surface 24 to the bottom 37 of thecylindrical portion 35. That is, the channels 36 have the same depth asthe cylindrical portion 35.

The cylindrical portion 35 has a first radius R1 and the semi-circularchannels 36 have a second radius R2. The ratio .alpha..sub.1, of thefirst radius R1 to the second radius R2 preferably is between 2:1 and4:1. In the preferred embodiment the ratio a, is about 3:1. Thisarrangement is preferred to minimize the stress concentrations in thedental implant 10, as will be explained below. To reduce stressconcentrations further, the interfaces 39 between the channels 36 andthe cylindrical portion 35 are preferably rounded.

The interlock chamber 34 is preferably dimensioned to be as large aspossible without significantly compromising the structural integrity ofthe vertical side wall 26. This arrangement is preferred because itincreases the surface area of the interlock chamber 34. The largersurface area results in a more stable connection between the implant 10and the mating dental component. Accordingly, the interlock chamber 34has a third radius R3, which is approximately equal to the first radiusR1 plus the second radius R2. The third radius R3 is sized such that thethickness T1 (i.e., the radius R4 of the implant minus R3) of thevertical wall 26 is greater than a minimum value, which providessufficient structural integrity for the implant 10. For an implant madeof dental grade titanium alloy, the preferably minimum value isapproximately 0.4-0.8 millimeters. Another preferred aspect of the shapeof the interlock chamber 34 is the ratio between the radius R4 of theimplant 10 and the radius R2 of the channels 36. More specifically, theratio between the radius R4 of the implant and the radius R2 of thechannels 36 is preferably between 4:1 to 5:1. In the preferredembodiment, the ratio is about 4.5:1.

The internal socket 28 also preferably includes a post-receiving chamber32, which lies between the interlock chamber 34 and the threaded chamber30. The post-receiving chamber 32 is preferably substantiallycylindrical. The diameter of the post-receiving chamber 32 is preferablyless than the diameter of the interlock chamber 34. The post-receivingchamber also preferably includes a chamfered region 37, which isadjacent the threaded chamber 30.

One aspect of the present invention is that the implant 10 providessignificant resistance to lateral (i.e., “tipping”) forces. Accordingly,the interlock chamber 34 preferably has a depth D1 as measured from thetop surface 24 that is greater than about 1 millimeter (see FIG. 1C). Inthe preferred embodiment, the interlock chamber has a depth ofapproximately 1.5 millimeters. Moreover, the post-receiving chamber 32preferably has a depth D2 of greater than about 3 millimeters. In thepreferred embodiment, the post-receiving chamber has a depth ofapproximately 4.0 millimeters.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrates a dental component configured to mate with theimplant 10 described above. The illustrated dental component is anabutment 38. As will be explained below, the abutment 38 can be formedinto a variety of dental components, such as, for example, a healingcap, impression coping, a temporary healing abutment, and a finalabutment. Preferably, the abutment 38 is made of dental grade titanium;however, other suitable materials such as plastic can be used.

As best seen in FIG. 2A, the outer surface of the abutment 38 includesan upper region 40, a curved region 42, an interlock region 44, and apost 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper region 40 issubstantially smooth, cylindrical and has a top surface 48 that issubstantially flat. The curved region 42 connects the upper region 40 toa bottom surface 50, which is substantially flat.

The illustrated shape of the abutment 32 can be used as an healingabutment, which is typically used during the second healing period toshape the patient's gums. However, as mentioned above, the abutment 32can be modified or otherwise formed into many different types of dentalcomponents. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the upper andcurved regions 40, 42 of the abutment can be formed into any desirableshape.

As best seen in FIG. 2A, an inner bore 52 extends through the center ofthe abutment 38. The inner bore 52 is preferably divided into a firstand second region 54, 56. The first region 54 has a diameter that isslightly larger than the diameter of the second region 56. Accordingly,a seat 59 is formed between the first and second regions 54, 56. Theseat 59 supports a bolt 60 (see FIG. 3A), which will be described below.The second region 56 preferably includes internal capture threads thatare preferably double threaded.

With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the bottom surface 50 issubstantially flat and has a diameter approximately equal to thediameter of the top surface 24 of the implant 10. Extending from thebottom surface 50 is the interlock region 44, which is configured to fitwithin the interlock chamber 34 of the implant 10. Accordingly, as bestseen in FIGS. 2B and 2D, the interlock area 44 includes a substantiallycylindrical portion 63. The interlock area 44 also includes protrusions64, which are configured to fit within the channels 36 of the implant.Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, the protrusions 64 arearranged around the perimeter of the interlock area at approximately 120degrees.

Below the interlock area 44 is the post 46. The post 46 is preferablysubstantially cylindrical and is configured to fit within thepost-receiving chamber 32 of the implant.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the coupling screw 60 mechanicallycouples the abutment 38 to the implant 10. The coupling screw 60 is alsopreferably made of a dental grade titanium alloy; although othersuitable materials can be used. The coupling screw 60 is sized anddimensioned to extend through the inner bore 52 of the blank abutment 38and into the socket 28 of the implant 10. The coupling screw 60 has anexternally threaded lower region 68 that passes through the internalcapture threads of the abutment 38 and engages the threaded chamber 30of the implant 10. The threads 68 of coupling screw 60 engage thecapture threads so that the coupling screw 60 does not becomedisassociated as the abutment 38 is transferred and fitted to thepatient's mouth.

The coupling screw also preferably includes a hexagonal recess 70located on a top surface 72 of the screw 60. The hexagonal recess 70allows for the insertion of a hexagonally shaped tool such as aconventional Allen™ wrench to remove the coupling screw 60 from theimplant body 10.

As mentioned above, during stage I surgery, the dental implant 10 istypically inserted into a pre-made hole formed in the patient's jawbone.A driving tool (not shown) is typically used to screw the implant intothe pre-made hole. Accordingly, a distal end of the driving tool ispreferably configured to mate with the interlock chamber 34 of theimplant 10. That is, the distal end of the driver is preferablyconfigured substantially the same as the interlock region 44 of theabutment 38 described above. When the driving tool is mated to theimplant 10, the distal end of driver can be used to transmit torque tothe implant through the interlock chamber 34 so as to drive the implant10 into the pre-made hole. If the implant 10 is self-tapping, aparticularly large amount of torque is required to drive the implant 10into the bone. For conventional implants with hexagonal recesses, thislarge amount of torque can cause the implant to crack at the apexes ofthe hexagonal recesses. This reduces the strength of the implant and cancause fluids and bacteria to enter the implant.

An advantage of the illustrated implant 10 and mating abutment 38 isthat when subjected to rotational forces the stress concentrations inthe implant 10 and the abutment 38 are minimized. Stress concentrationsrefer to areas of large stress caused by geometric discontinuities(i.e., stress risers) and/or the application of large loads over a smallarea or at a point (e.g., at a corner or apex). Areas of large stressconcentrations are often the starting point of material damage, whichcan ultimately lead to material failure by fracture (i.e., cracking).Thus, by minimizing stress concentrations, the durability of the implant10 and the abutment 38 can be increase. The reduction in stressconcentration derives from the particular preferred shape of theinterlock chamber 34 of the implant 10 and the mating interlock region44 of the abutment 38.

FIGS. 4A-C are schematic representations of the shape 78 of theinterlock chamber 34 and the interlock region 44. FIG. 4A compares theshape 78 to a triangle 79. As seen in FIG. 4A, the shape 78 of theinterlock region is in the form of an elliptically modified triangle 79.That is, the apexes and sides of the triangle are substantially rounded.As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the shape 78 provides a smooth transitionfrom the apex 82 to the sides 80. Accordingly, some of theanti-rotational stress is distributed away from the apexes 82 towardsthe relatively flatter side walls 80. These features help to reducestress concentrations. Therefore, the interlock regions 34, 44 of theimplant 10 and the blank abutment 38 (particularly the channels 36 andthe protrusions 64 are less likely to chip and wear away as compared toprior art anti-rotational means. Moreover, the implant 10 is less likelyto crack as compared to implants with hexagonal recesses, which tend tocrank at the apexes of the hexagonal recess when subjected to largerotational loads (e.g., when a self-tapping implant is being threadedinto the patient's jawbone).

Another advantage of the illustrated arrangement is that the abutment 38and the implant 10 offer improved resistance to lateral or “tipping”forces. This improved resistance to lateral forces is due primarily tothe depth of the interlock chamber 34 and the post-receiving chamber 32.The improved resistance to lateral forces also prevents the couplingscrew 60 from loosening, thereby virtually eliminating movement betweenthe implant 10 and the abutment 38.

Yet another advantage of the illustrated arrangement is that theinterlock chamber of the implant 10 can be machined using a conventionalend mill. That is, because of circular shape of the cylindrical portion35, it can be machined with a conventional end mill. Moreover, thesemi-circular channels can also be machined with a conventional endmill. This reduces the complexity of manufacturing especially ascompared to the machining of a conventional hexagonal recess, whichtypically requires a reciprocating tool, such as, for example, a broach.

The illustrated arrangement of the implant 10 and abutment 38 alsoprovides improved tactile confirmation that the blank abutment 38 isproperly seated on the implant 10. That is because of the depth of thepost-receiving chamber 32, the oral surgeon can feel the abutment 38engaging the implant 10. This tactile confirmation is especiallyimportant for posterior prosthetics where visibility and working spaceare often compromised.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a final abutment 86 having certain features andadvantages according to the present invention. The final abutment 86 ispreferably made from a dental grade titanium allow, although othersuitable materials can be use. The final abutment 86 can also bemachined from the abutment 38 of FIGS. 2A-2D.

The lower region 87 of the final abutment 86 is substantially identicalto the lower region of the blank abutment 38 described above.Accordingly, the lower region 87 comprises a lower surface 50, aninterlock region 44 with protrusions 64, and a post 46. As with theblank abutment 38, the interlock region 44 with protrusions 64, and thepost 46 that are sized and dimensioned to fit within the interlockchamber 34 and post-receiving chamber 32 of the implant 10.

Down the center of the final abutment 54 is an bore 48. The inner bore48 is preferably divided into two regions: a first chamber 50 and asecond region 52. Preferably, the diameter of the first chamber 50 isslightly larger than the second chamber 52. A screw passes through thescrew receiving chamber 50 and engages the threads of the threadedregion 52 and the first chamber 22 of the implant 10. Accordingly, thefinal abutment 54 can be permanently attached to the implant.Alternatively, the final abutment 54 could be cemented to the implant 10using methods well known in the art.

The upper surface 88 of the final abutment 86 is formed to receive aprosthetic tooth. Accordingly, the prosthetic tooth (not shown) has aninner surface configured such that the prosthetic tooth can fit over thefinal abutment 86. The prosthetic tooth is typically cemented to thefinal abutment 86.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention havebeen shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those ofskill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combination or subcombinations of the specific features andaspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that variousfeatures and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combine with orsubstituted for one another in order to form varying modes of thedisclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the presentinvention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particulardisclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only bya fair reading of the claims that follow.

1-36. (canceled)
 37. A prosthodontic component configured to be coupledto a dental implant; the prosthodontic component comprising an upperportion configured to extend above the dental implant; an interlock areaconfigured to be inserted into an inner cavity of the dental implant,the interlock area comprising at least two protrusions that are arrangedaround a perimeter of the interlock area at approximately 120 degreesapart relative to a center axis of the prosthodontic component; a postpositioned below the interlock area and also configured to be insertedinto an internal cavity of the dental implant, the post including a sidewall that extends parallel to the center axis of the prosthodonticcomponent; and an inner bore extending through the upper portion, theinterlock area and the post along the center axis of the prosthodonticcomponent.
 38. The prosthodontic component of claim 37, wherein theinterlock area includes three protrusions that are arranged around aperimeter of the interlock area at approximately 120 degrees apartrelative to a center axis of the prosthodontic component.
 39. Theprosthodontic component of claim 37, wherein the at least twoprotrusions include side walls that extend substantially parallel to thecenter axis of the prosthodontic component.
 40. The prosthodonticcomponent of claim 37, wherein the at least two protrusions are halfcircular in shape.
 41. A prosthodontic assembly for installing aprosthetic tooth, the prosthodontic assembly comprising: a firstprosthodontic component comprising a body portion and a top surface, thefirst prosthodontic component further comprising an inner cavity with anopening located at the top surface, the inner cavity comprising aninterlock portion having a depth, the interlock portion beingsubstantially cylindrical with at least two lobes situated around aperimeter of the interlock portion with a center of each of the at leasttwo lobes being 120 degrees apart from each other relative to a centeraxis of the first prosthodontic component, the inner cavity furthercomprising a post chamber positioned below the interlock chamber andabove a threaded chamber; a second prosthodontic component comprising anupper portion configured to extend above the dental implant; aninterlock area configured to be inserted into the interlock portion thedental implant, the interlock area comprising at least two protrusionsthat are arranged around a perimeter of the interlock area atapproximately 120 degrees apart relative to a center axis of theprosthodontic component; a post positioned below the interlock area andconfigured to be inserted into the post chamber of the dental implant,the post including a side wall that extends parallel to the center axisof the prosthodontic component; and an inner bore extending through theupper portion, the interlock area and the post along the center axis ofthe prosthodontic component.
 42. The prosthodontic assembly of claim 37,wherein the interlock area of the second prosthodontic componentincludes three protrusions that are arranged around a perimeter of theinterlock area at approximately 120 degrees apart relative to a centeraxis of the prosthodontic component and the first prosthodonticcomponent includes three lobes with a center of each of the three lobesbeing 120 degrees apart from each other relative to a center axis of thefirst prosthodontic component.
 43. The prosthodontic assembly of claim37, wherein the at least two protrusions of the second prosthodonticcomponent include side walls that extend substantially parallel to thecenter axis of the second prosthodontic component.
 44. The prosthodonticassembly of claim 37, wherein the at least two protrusions of the secondprosthodontic component are half circular in shape.